Lea French Cafe Michigan Avenue

I was in Paris just a few years ago and longed for a Parisian setting to have my coffee. I was very hungry and got the delicious quiche provincale.. It came with a small side of beautiful fresh greens and thankfully the dressing in a small separate cup. It was absolutely delicious and very filling. It was Sunday morning and the place filled up quickly I'm glad I got there as they opened. I'm leaving Chicago today but I have to stop in for another delicious start to my day.

Feels a bit touristy, but honestly the food was great! I had the bacon egg and cheese on a croissant and loved it, and the americano hit the spot. It’s right by the Art Institute, so I’d totally recommend it to anyone spending the day there needing a quick bite.

Lea French Café has a charming ambiance and a central location in the heart of Chicago. Their pastries are tasty and beautifully presented, but definitely overpriced for what you get. It feels more like you’re paying for the aesthetic than the actual food. On top of that, I let the staff know the men’s restroom was out of soap, but no one seemed to take action. I ended up having to use the women’s restroom just to wash my hands—which really shouldn’t happen in a place that charges premium prices. Small details like that matter, and unfortunately, it took away from the overall experience.

Great coffee shop in downtown Chicago with a perfect location right across from The Cloud Gate. Prices are very reasonable, the menu offers plenty of great options, and there’s outdoor seating. I love that when you dine in, they serve drinks in ceramic cups instead of disposable ones—it makes the experience feel much nicer!

Wonderful midweek morning atmosphere, delicious fresh baked goods and breakfast dishes including the overnight oats. Friendly staff, easy service, good coffee choices. Of courser perfect location!

high quality french cafe! in my opinion better than paris baguette and goddess and the baker (judging based off of croissants and pastries i’ve had at all 3). my french friend was with me and said it was the closest to actual french quality pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) that he’s had in the states! i got the lavender lemonade as well and thought it was great. there was no wait and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. i’ll be back to try some lunch options from them!

I recently visited this place and while the food looked good and well-presented, I was very disappointed to find that the lettuce was not washed at all. When I brought it up, they offered me a refund, which I appreciate, but serving unwashed produce is unacceptable. Proper hygiene in food preparation is a basic standard that should never be overlooked, no matter how good the food looks.

This cafe is phenomenal. I had a ham and swiss sandwich on baguette, and it was to die for. I also had an apple pastry that was out of this world. The Pistou soup that my husband had, which I tasted, was excellent. His veggie sandwich was great, and they were able to use egg white rather than whole egg. My only wish is that we had one of these cafes nearby... and that it had sit down service. Regardless, it was wonderful.

I'm obsessed with this place. Delicious breakfast croissant , upgraded the complimentary chips for salad($1more) and got a refreshing hibiscus elderberry drink. On its own I don't think it would be as good but together it made for a satisfying breakfast/lunch. Then I came back for the salad the next day. It's so simple bit so delicious. I love their Dijon dressing.

I'm always skeptical about places that are conveniently close to tourist attractions (right in front of the bean) but tbh this place kinda hit. there was lots of seating and it was pretty clean inside. lowkey why was the cappuccino like really good and hit the spot perfectly... i was shocked

The food tasted great, albeit a bit on the spendy side for what you got, but I took off a couple stars for the absolutely insane way orders were being handled. Orders are at self-done kiosks (probably 4) just as you enter. The orders were piling up at the takeaway area. We were 10 orders behind the orders they were processing. Friday at lunch, after a huge concert, and the young woman at the takeaway counter was very clearly being trained. I felt so badly for her. Her trainer/boss was so unhelpful! I watched a woman ahead of us explain that her order had been to-go but they gave it to her on a plate. She looked to be on her lunch break, had waited longer than us (prob 15 mins at this point), so she said it's ok I will just eat here. I watched him not understand how to put her items on a tray and instead chose to plop a napkin and flatware on top of her food. Who does that? It could be cute and a nice little lunch, but management needs to work on their game, as does the slow kitchen.

Came downtown for the day. The original place we wanted to eat was packed and the wait time was long. We found this spot in our walk. It was such a delight. We enjoyed our breakfast outside. The food was delicious! The baked baguettes are so gooood! All the baked goods are delicious. Definitely a place to stop for a small bite to eat or a nice pick me up on the way to work.

What a nice place on Michigan Avenue across from Millennium Park. There are kiosks for your order and their choices are mainly sandwiches. I ordered the Caprese sandwich and I thought it was only a half baguette , but it was a whole long one. Terrific. I had a lavender lemonade to drink. They also have salads, croquettes, quiches, and pastries.

Great little stop for a snack on Michigan ave. Yummy coffee and food! We sat out on the patio and it was beautiful

The food and service are excellent. You order on a kiosk. Excellent French sandwiches and pastries. Coffees are very well prepared. Food is always fresh and has that extra.

You know this I love this place when we stopped here 2 times in one trip. The only con, be ready to wait. They are popular and you order on the screen and wait in a line for your order. They are organized but organization only goes so far, when you are busy. With that out of the way- make sure you get a pain au chocolate (if I spelled that right). I got 2 on my trip and ask my husband if we time to get another for the plane ride. The sandwich was amazing. I could have started each day of my trip out here.

What a darling efficient location! You walk inside your immediately transported to a French bistro. There were so many yummy choices to choose from that was definitely the worst part. I chose the. La Boulanger quiche. It comes with a side salad with a yummy honey mustard vinaigrette that you put on yourself. The quiche was piping, hot and filled with delicious veggies, such as onion and mushroom. I sat inside, which was clean and had plenty of seating I love this location and the food!

Had to clean our own table. Coffee mug was dirty. Coffee was lukewarm. Pastry chef is good. Little attention to customer experience

It has all the makings to be a great spot, but the reality is there's just too much variability in what you get when you order. My 1st cup of coffee was awesome. I ordered the same thing for a 2nd cup, and it was different and did not include the same extra shots that I ordered. I asked for my morning born to be warmed up and that was not an option anyway tasty stuff but need to stay strictly on menu and even then it is a bit of a wildcard

The pastries and chai were delicious! Glad we stopped in! We may well be back for lunch sometime.

Ahh! This used to be Le Pain Quotidien. Remember that! This is the second location in the city. The first location is on Lake Street. I had a Chai tea. The staff and service are wonderful.

Really great pastries ! Loved the pistachio croissant and the ham and cheese sandwich. The pistachio croissant was nice and flaky. The ham and cheese sandwich was typical Parisian style and on the simple side, which I liked. Pastries were super fresh! Would recommend if you're in the area and in need of a quick break from exploring the nearby park!

Love the pistachio eclair. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. The self order kiosk is nice and also accurate to what is displayed.

Decent coffee and food, but nothing to go out of one's way for, unless you want the authentic feel of a French cafe, right down the indifferent attitude of the staff.

Coffee was good, croissants were the best! Flaky and tasty. Nice place on Michigan ave. Plenty of seats.

Such a delightful place. Good food, nice employees and great location on Michigan Ave directly across the street from Millennium Park.

This is a great place for authentic French pastries and sandwiches. The chocolate croissants are to die for. I like the ordering system. Patrons order and pay from one of four computers making getting the food speedy. Also, their lemonade is the best in the city. It's like the lemonade I had growing up. I have catered lunches twice and the pick ups have always been seamless.

The baguettes were amazing and likely the best you'll find in Chicago. They are made throughout the day, so very fresh and very French. The baguette sandwiches are flavorful and a generous portion. The coffee is robust and strong. It's contactless payment only, but no service fee (for the moment). The decor is delightful and clean. My only complaint is that I think the serveurs should bring the food to your table. Currently, you place your order up front at the counter and wait for your name to be called to retrieve your food (not very French). Just a little effort to deliver the food would be nice and warrant the tip you are expected to leave when placing and paying for your order.

The food is decent with a cute sidewalk patio. I like their croissants and their ham and cheese (simple but expensive) but seem to be made of quality ingredients. What makes this place a bit inhospitable is the storefront staff. There is no friendly service. Only blank stares. Seemingly no interest to interact and offer service.. Not a place I would frequent. Feels a bit sterile.

Cute cafe! Yummy sandwiches; a traditional French cafe interior, and a view of cloud gate. The baguettes and lemonade we really delicious!

Mediocre. Wanted to like this place so bad. My Sandwhich was made so messy and arugula wasn't fresh. Coffee was okay! Messy bathrooms. Kind of a bummer.